The 618 Now

I bet you didn't know we do this...

In this week's episode, we talk about how the Chamber shows up in more ways than hosting events and promoting business. From monthly Q&A workshops for people moving into our community to interviewing residents about what healthcare resources those suffering with dementia night need, we're boots on the ground in the community!

We also honor outgoing Board Chair, Jeff Dossett and welcome incoming Chair, Nathan Klitzing.

On the calendar: 

• Friday, May 17th 8:30am-noon Aging Expo at McKendree Metro RecPlex
• Sat, May 18th 8am-noon, Vine Street Market @ OFallon Station
• Sat, May 18th Nickfest 
• Wed, May 22 7-8:30pm Shiloh Music in the park featuring ShortMist
• Thurs, May 23rd 6-9pm June's Summer Concert series featuring Andrew Dahle.
• Summer fun list provided by the OFallon Public Library 

May the Workforce be with you!

In this episode, we discuss education that's happening in OFallon to prepare students for the workforce. 

 

On the calendar:

• Sat, May 11 8am-noon is Vine Street Market at O'Fallon Station! Free yoga from Moonbird yoga @ 8am, live music presented by Newbold Toyota and Newbold BMW starts at 9am. 
• Sunday, May 12 is Mother's Day! The Regency has just a few seats left at their 1pm seating for their brunch; call 618-624-9999 to secure your reservation. 
• June's Breakfast + Patio in Shiloh is serving up good vibes + delicious food and drinks on Mother's Dat from 8am-2pm. No reservations required. 
• Wed, May 15 7-8:30pm is Shiloh's Music in the Park featuring Frankie and the House Shakers. 
• Sat, May 18th is NickFest.

Have an idea for a podcast topic? Submit it here! Follow us on Instagram @The618Now.

Let's lead the Rich Bickel Way!

In today's special episode, we honor retiring OTHS principal Mr. Rich Bickel. O'Fallon is known for exceptional schools and Mr. Bickel's leadership over the last 37 years contributed greatly to our educational reputation. From a grateful community, thank you Mr. Bickel!! 

Careful, your Roots are showing

In this episode, we celebrate Arbor Day and discuss the urban forestry management plan being implemented by the city to care for and maintain the 10,000+ city trees!

Shout out to Roots, our favorite arborists and Downtown District members! 

Thanks to this week's podcast partner, Vine Street Market @ OFallon Station!

On the calendar:

• today - April 29th Annual Book Sale @ The OFallon Public Library.
• Sat, April 27th Vine Street MicroMarket @ OFallon Station 9am-noon.
• Sat, April 27th Scrap metal and electronics recycling event @ Carriel Junior High.
• Sat, April 27th Bike Surgeon's Lollipop ride
• Thurs, May 2nd Hot Rods for Hope Car Glow in the Downtown District
• Sunday, May 5th Studio Strong's Inflatable 5K 

Have an idea for a podcast topic? Submit it here! Follow us on Instagram @The618Now.

Our community by the numbers...

In this episode, we discuss:

• OFallon by the numbers... budgets, grants, property values and more!
• City's proposed budget ($135 million)
• Project funding
• Central Park and Hartman Lane construction is coming up! Stay up to date by visiting the city's construction page 
• Become a podcast partner!

On the calendar, 

• Sat, April 20th VFW's 0.1k 
• Wed, April 24th 5pm Forward 50 Open House at City Hall
• Thurs, April 25th @ 5 & 6pm Bella Milano's Citrusy Soiree
• OTHS After Prom May 11th- they're looking for sponsors!
• Applications are open for the O'Fallon Police Departments Youth Academy held June 3-7th. 

Have an idea for a podcast topic? Submit it here! Follow us on Instagram @The618Now.

We are a unique community!

In this week’s episode, we talk about unique events happening in our community!

 

June’s Breakfast + Patio’s Supper Club

The Upright Pub and Music Parol has live music several nights/week in April!

The Rotary Club of O’Fallon is hosting a pancake breakfast to benefit community projects

Hot Rods for Hope Register your car here!

Studio Strong’s Inflatable 5k

 

On the calendar:

• Sat, April 13^th Vine Street Micromarket @ Ofallon Station 9am-noon
• April 25-29^thAnnual book sale held the Ofallon Public Library. Books, DVDs, CDs, VHS, puzzles can be donated to the O'Fallon Public Library year around. Donation bins are located inside the library.
• Friday, April 19th is donation drop off in support of the OTHS Band Boosters' Spring Yard Sale. Drop off is from 4-8pm at the Smiley Campus. Baby items, small furniture, and kitchen gadgets sell well. NOT accepted are: electronics, bras/undergarments, used mattresses, large appliances, large furniture, electronics/books/magazines/DVDs/CDs, gas-powered motors of any kind, or treadmills.
• Sat, April 20th 8am-2pm OTHS Band Boosters Spring Yard Sale.
• Sat, April 27th is Scrap Metal and Electronics drive, 9am-noon at Carriel Junior High.
• Sat, April 27th is Big Brothers/Big Sisters 4th Annual Trivia Night for Kids' Sake
• Applications are open for the O'Fallon Police Departments Youth Academy held June 3-7th. 

Have an idea for a podcast topic? Submit it here! Follow us on Instagram @The618Now.

Leaders be leadin'

In this episode, we discuss this year's Lead In class- the talent within the group is unbelievable! But, what makes them this way?

 

On the calendar:

• Thurs, April 11th Restaurant Roulette
• Thurs, April 11th @ 6pm Pub Table Historian inside of Bike Surgeon
• Thurs, April 18th @ 5:30pm ChamberNET
• Sat, April 20th 8am-2pm OTHS Band Booster Yard Sale 
• Sat, April 20th Art Festival inside Kloss Furniture 
• Sat, April 20th 6-9pm  O'That Jazz 

Have an idea for a podcast topic? Submit it here! Follow us on Instagram @The618Now.

86% of us are about to do this

In this episode, we discuss Spring Cleaning and how your donated goods can help raise money for local causes:

• Books, DVDs, CDs, VHS, puzzles can be donated to the O'Fallon Public Library year around. Donation bins are located inside the library. These donations are sold during the library's annual book sale held April 25 - April 29th. Donations are being accepted now!
• Friday, April 19th is donation drop off in support of the OTHS Band Boosters' Spring Yard Sale. Drop off is from 4-8pm at the Smiley Campus. Sale is Sat, April 20th from 8am-2pm. Baby items, small furniture, and kitchen gadgets sell well. NOT accepted are: electronics, bras/undergarments, used mattresses, large appliances, large furniture, electronics/books/magazines/DVDs/CDs, gas-powered motors of any kind, or treadmills.
• Sat, April 27th is Scrap Metal and Electronics drive, 9am-noon at Carriel Junior High. 
• Donations are always accepted year round for the monthly Township rummage sale. 
• Charity Clothing Pick up comes to your house to pick up donations of clothing, linens, home accessories and more. 
• Learn how to become a podcast partner! 

On the calendar:

• Sat, March 30th 9am-noon Vine Street Micro Market at OFallon Station
• Sat, April 27th is Big Brothers/Big Sisters 4th Annual Trivia Night for Kids' Sake 
• Applications are open for the O'Fallon Police Departments Youth Academy held June 3-7th. 

 

Have an idea for a podcast topic? Submit it here! Follow us on Instagram @The618Now.

New O-Town businesses and services

In this episode, Nick spins the 618 Now gameboard and it lands on topics like:

• Toast and Table, a new store coming into the Downtown District
• Mobile Crisis Response, a 24/7 service for St. Clair County residents experiencing crisis. Dial 988 or call 618-436-0460 to connect with crisis counselors and recovery specialists who will come to you in your home or meet somewhere in the community. 
• Immaculate Bins, a local, veteran owned company that cleans your waste management, recycling and yard waste bins. 

Thank you to our podcast partner, Vine Street Market @ OFallon Station!

On the calendar:

• Friday, March 22- Sunday March 24 Les Miserables at OTHS. Purchase tickets here.
• Friday, March 22 Registration deadline for the inaugural Art Festival at Kloss Furniture. Local artists are encouraged to apply to showcase and sell their artwork during the festival on April 20th. 
• Tues, March 26 Gateway Grizzlies Braggin' Rights game. First pitch is 6pm.
• Wed, March 27 Grant Fundamentals 101 - free online webinar about how to prepare pre-award documents for state and federal grants.

Have an idea for a podcast topic? Submit it here! Follow us on Instagram @The618Now.

Secure the barricade!

In this episode, we discuss which new business is going into the old Auffenberg site. We also interview 2 high school student performers who are in the upcoming production of Les Miserables! Purchase your tickets for the March 22-24 performances here!

 

On the calendar:

• Sat, March 16 9am-noon is a Vine Street Micro Market at OFallon Station!
• Friday, March 22 - Sunday March 24 is Les Miserables at OTHS. Support our student musicians!
• Tues, March 26 6pm Gateway Grizzlies Bragging Rights game. Mizzou vs. University of Illinois
• Sat, April 20 VFW's 0.1K race to help support veterans and their families.

Have an idea for a podcast topic? Submit it here! Follow us on Instagram @The618Now.